Public Gives S.r. 7 Visions

DAVIE — More landscaping, an improved entranceway, possibly a few hotels -- these are just some of the ideas residents and business owners would like to see in a redevelopment plan for State Road 7.

The South Florida Regional Planning Council had weeklong open meetings with the public that ended Friday, to come up with development concepts to enhance the corridor.

Planners focused on the section of the road from Interstate 595 to Stirling Road, which houses an auto auction, some restaurants and repair shops.

Several residents and town leaders, however, were just as interested in the stretch of the road further south. They said that with the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino recently opening, zoning along the road should be changed to incorporate more tourist-type uses.

"I've thought about us creating a district compatible with resort and commercial uses," said Vice Mayor Judy Paul, who attended the opening session. "In the tourist season, when the Hard Rock is full, there may be overflow and opportunities for other hotels."

But Paul also said she would like to see more green space and ways to make S.R. 7 more pedestrian friendly.

Senior Planner David Dahlstrom said that while most ideas for the road included a residential component, such plans could also include commercial and residential combined on certain parcels.

"This is a long-term plan," Dahlstrom said. "Some things could take 20 years, but some things can be done immediately."

Dahlstrom said the plan would be tweaked and then unveiled in about three months before the Town Council.

Similar vision sessions for the road are taking place in various communities. In 2001, 14 municipalities joined to form a future plan for about 25 miles of State Road 7.

Georgia East can be reached at geast@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7921.